DB3 Sustainable Infrastructure

Project Experience

DB3 Sustainable Infrastructure

DB3 Sustainable Infrastructure

About DB3 Founded in 1883, DB3 Group is an award-winning, dynamic practice consisting of DB3 Architecture & Design, DB3 Building Services Engineering, DB3 Net Zero and DB3 Professional Services.

DB3 Group has seven studios across the UK in Leeds, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Aberystwyth, so we are never too far away from your project. Renowned for our quality design and technical delivery, we have long standing relationships with some of the biggest global brands across private and public market sectors.

From architectural vision to the completed build, we provide multi-disciplinary expertise aimed at meeting the diverse needs of our client base. We embrace the latest technology, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), to assist in our process and operations for design, visualisation, design team co-ordination and more.

We maintain a focus on not only delivering the project on time, with exceptional quality and within cost, but also in ensuring long term value is designed into facilities to ensure that they are easy and safe to operate, sustainable, minimise energy use and are cost effective to maintain.

Our dedicated team of experienced Architects, Project Managers, Building Services Engineers, Interior Designers and Surveyors provide a quality service regardless of project value, size or complexity, to deliver the best for our clients.

Working collaboratively, we aspire to make this an enjoyable process and build relationships which result in us returning to work for the same clients on future projects.

Glasgow

EXPERTISE Architecture Building Services Engineering NEC Supervisor Passivhaus Design Principal Designer Technical Advisor Urban Design Visualisation

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Cardiff

Birmingham

London DB3 Sustainable About DB3 Infrastructure

SECTORS Commercial Conservation & Heritage Education Energy & Waste Healthcare Infrastructure Industrial & Manufacturing Retail Residential Science & Labs Sports & Leisure

Sustainable Spaces for the Industrial & Retail World DB3 offers a wealth of architectural and multidisciplinary design lead expertise within the Infastructure, Manufacturing & Retail sectors. We design and manage projects ranging from single units, logistics, manufacturing, food processing and clean design, to large scale, complex process driven infastructure developments.

Our knowledge is gained through experience successfully designing and delivering projects for globally renowned brands: Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Oatly, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Saint-Gobain, Celotex, British Gypsum and National Grid.

Additionally, we collaborate with private sector developers to conceptualise brownfield sites, providing specialised commercial units of exceptional quality.

We have a deep understanding of the requirements of all stakeholders including investors, developers, contractors and end users.

Our expert team has built an excellent reputation within the sector through approaching every project on an individual basis, understanding the constraints and opportunities of the site and delivering a solution to suit our clients’ needs.

DB3 Sustainable Infrastructure

WESTERN POWER DISTRIBUTION

New Build Depots Location: UK-wide Expertise Areas: Architecture BREEAM: Outstanding

DB3 delivered a programme of rapid conversion works following Western Power Distributions acquisition of Central Networks Ltd (CN) from EON. A programme of new depots followed, including upgrading existing sites and establishing new sites in 16 locations. The units varied in size to accommodate 20 to 106 workstations and include office space, meeting rooms, a conference room, mess, locker and shower rooms, plus a range of workshops, smaller specialist stores and a larger general storage area.

At Northampton we tackled a challenging site with tight external space. Our solution included doubling the size of the office within the 48,000ft² facilities by forming the specialist stores out of load-bearing blockwork and using a beam and block floor with topping to assist with acoustic performance.

The depots were in varying states when purchased. Derby was a recently completed unit (although with only 25% of the required first floor office space); Northampton had to be stripped back to the frame and re-roofed and re-clad, with all new windows and doors.

We did extensive work with the supply chain prior to the contract awards to ensure consistency of look and feel across the portfolio. Having completed the initial phase of six depots, further sites have been delivered on an ongoing basis.

We worked to BREEAM Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding standards with the scheme at Spilsby achieving a BREEAM Outstanding rating of 100.5%, the highest ever achieved.

RHONDDA CYNON TAFF

Robertstown Development Location: Aberdare, Wales Expertise Area: Architecture

We were appointed as Architect for a 2,000 sqm development of business starter units on former railway land in Aberdare. The Robertstown development comprises 20 light industrial units designed to be utilised by small and start-up businesses.

The site is a flat overgrown elongated area of allocated employment land. During the design stage we had to contend with many difficult site issues, including Japanese knotweed, mare’s tail, nesting birds, reptiles as well as possible site contamination and flooding.

In order to attract a wide range of tenants, the design and layout moves away from the standard response for light industrial units, by arranging the units either side of landscaped pedestrian streets creating more of a community feel. The asymmetrical shape of the building facilitates future expansion into a mezzanine floor. Brightly coloured accent colours contrast with the black cladding.

The development is highly energy efficient and achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating.

DB3 Sustainable Infrastructure

BREEAM: Excellent

CAERPHILLY COUNCIL

Ty Du Development Location: Nelson, Caerphilly Expertise Area: Architecture BREEAM: Excellent Caerphilly Council appointed DB3 to lead and manage a multi–disciplinary team to develop designs for flexible use B1 employment units on the Ty Du site in Nelson. The Ty Du site already had existing outline planning permission and the aim was to design modern highly efficient business starter units for the employment parcel of the land and submit to planning for approval of reserved matters within the required time scales.

The team have worked with Caerphilly and their commercial property advisers to review site layout options and then to develop designs for high quality flexible units that satisfy the requirements of the council and the local market. The prominent scheme is partly Welsh Government and European funded and has been developed to BIM level 2, and BREEAM Excellent standards. The

BIM development followed a PAS1192-2 process lead and managed by DB3 and supported clash detection, high quality visualisation, QTO for BREEAM credits and COBie export.

The project has been designed to include 5 buildings, each of which can be subdivided into 2 or 3 units. Each unit has the potential to add a mezzanine floor, giving increased future flexibility.

The external envelope of the buildings has been designed to be highly thermally efficient whilst remaining attractive and flexible enough to provide an internal environment that can be used for B1 industrial or B1 office uses. IES thermal modelling was used to inform the thermal properties of the fabric, including U and G values ensuring that the buildings achieve their energy targets.

DB3 Sustainable Infrastructure

GREAT OAK BUSINESS PARK

Parc Derwen Fawr Location: Bridgend, Wales Expertise Areas: Architecture BREEAM: Excellent The park, nestled alongside the A470, occupies the former grounds of the BSK aluminium die casting foundry, embarking on a transformative journey on an exposed, environmentally sensitive brownfield. The overarching vision was to enhance biodiversity through landscaping and employing construction methods that minimise ecological impact.

Central to the ethos of the park’s design is a commitment to environmental stewardship. This is manifested through the utilisation of natural slate

roofs, implementation of sustainable drainage systems, and harnessing renewable energy sources to power both electricity and domestic hot water supply.

A testament to the park’s dedication to sustainability, two of its office units have garnered a BREEAM Excellent rating. These units have attracted investment in research and development, as well as catering to B1 office and light industrial purposes.

GREAT OAK BUSINESS PARK

Portsmouth Retail Park Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire Expertise Areas: Architecture BREEAM: Very Good DB3 was entrusted to design a compact retail park on a previously utilised brownfield site in Portsmouth, Hampshire. Encompassing an area of approximately 1.41 hectares, the site benefits from excellent infrastructure connections.

The primary objective driving the project was to establish a sustainable commercial hub that not only caters to the needs of the local population but also stimulates economic activity in the broader city.

The retail park comprises three distinct blocks, totalling 7,500m² of floorspace, housing a diverse array of amenities including retail outlets, restaurants featuring a drive-thru, educational facilities, a gym, and a veterinary surgery.

Complementary to these functions, provisions were made for an extensive car and cycle park, refuse storage facilities, and thoughtfully curated landscaping.

From an urban planning perspective, meticulous attention was paid to site levelling to minimise material displacement, ensuring a harmonious balance between cut and fill operations.

DB3 Sustainable Infrastructure

The project’s commitment to sustainability is underscored by its achievement of a BREEAM Very Good rating, emblematic of its environmentally conscious design ethos and operational practices.

BRIDE HALL DEVELOPMENTS

Ashdown Retail Park Location: Uckfield, Sussex Expertise Areas: Architecture, Lead Designer & Principal Designer BREEAM: Good The project involved the comprehensive design and delivery of two interconnected retail shell units destined for Marks & Spencer and Home Bargains. Situated within the existing Ashdown Business Park, the endeavour encompassed not only the construction of the retail spaces but also the meticulous planning and execution of ancillary elements such as the car park, service yard, access routes, lighting and both hard and soft landscaping. Additionally, the integration of all associated services was a crucial component of the project’s scope.

Bride Hall, the client, provided DB3 with standard specifications for the retail shell units. These specifications outlined critical aspects including openings, finishes, structural frames, partition construction types and more. Adhering to these

specifications was paramount to ensure that the final construction met the stringent requirements necessary for the subsequent fit-out processes by M&S and Home Bargains.

DB3, initially appointed as Architect and Principal Designer, underwent novation to the main contractor at RIBA Stage 5. Post-novation, DB3 assumed the role of Lead Designer, maintaining oversight from RIBA Stage 1 to Stage 6.

Our commitment to BREEAM ‘Good’ standards and sustainability was evident in our responsible material sourcing and adherence to government policies. Our involvement ensured that construction practices aligned with environmental standards, showcasing our dedication to sustainable construction principles.

INTEGRATED FOOD PROJECTS

Oatly’s First UK Factory Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Expertise Area: Architecture, Building Services Engineering & Principal Designer BREEAM: Good

Although a lengthy processes, Oatly finally settled on an existing site in Peterborough, where they could expand the site and begin their journey of plant based milk production in the UK. The scope of works included creation of a hygienic facility to house new production lines, ingredients store, refrigeration plant & HVAC. The facility

included labs, test kitchen, process facilities, onsite gym, faith room, offices and welfare unit.

This project was designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Good’ rating, underscoring Oatly’s commitment to sustainability and future-ready design. A sustainability advisor ensured that every aspect of the proposal prioritised environmental responsibility.

Additionally, the design incorporates WELL standard principles to enhance employee welfare and create a healthier work environment, reflecting Oatly’s pro-health philosophy and commitment to both environmental stewardship and employee wellbeing.

DB3 Sustainable Infrastructure

DB3 were appointed to support Oatly, an alternative dairy producer, on their site selection process and design of a new manufacturing facility in the UK. During the initial stages, a variety of sites were considered and feasibility options for new build facilities versus enhancements to existing factories were drawn up and considered.

ACCIONA

North London Energy Recovery Authority Location: Enfield, North London Expertise Areas: Architecture BREEAM: Very Good DB3 was appointed by Acciona to provide architectural design and landscape architecture for a new £683m Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) for North London Waste Authority (NLWA). The scheme which will form part of the Edmonton EcoPark site will be the UK’s greenest ERF, serving seven North London boroughs as part of a £1.2bn investment known as the North London Heat and Power project. DB3 are undertaking RIBA Stages 2-6 and leading the delivery of the facility to completion, with Gillespies providing support.

The project aims to become a leading example of ERFs, demonstrating how innovative design and technology can be used to support sustainable development.

Aside from lowering carbon emissions, the facility will also play a crucial role in waste management.

It can process 135,000 tonnes of recyclable material yearly, as well as incinerate 700,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste and generate 50 megawatts of electricity. This amount of energy is enough to power 127,000 homes.

The project is predicted to save up to £900 million over 27 years, further supporting the economic advantages of sustainable energy production.

The facility is being designed to meet BREEAM Very Good standards.

DB3 Sustainable Infrastructure

The Energy Recovery Facility is poised to make a substantial contribution to reducing carbon emissions. It will produce efficient, low-carbon heat and power, resulting in a carbon impact equal to removing up to 110,000 vehicles from the road each year.

WM MORRISON SUPERMARKETS

Little Clacton Location: Little Clacton, Essex

DB3 are appointed to the Morrisons framework for the Morrisons’ store development programme.

We have been responsible for a variety of store projects including new build, conversion, extension and remodel schemes. We act as Architect for high-volume store change and update programmes, providing additional services as Project Manager. Throughout our time on the framework we have made wide-use of Building Information Modelling, with all new stores designed and delivered in Revit.

To support Morrisons in reaching their goal of achieving net zero operational emissions by 2035, we have provided architectural and principal designer services for their ground breaking environmentally conscious store, Little Clacton.

This innovative store design, constructed from the ground up, marks the first integration of a comprehensive range of Morrisons’ structural elements and loose products aimed at minimising carbon emissions, energy consumption, and resource utilisation to curtail its environmental impact.

The Little Clacton store will have 43% lower operational emissions than a standard store.

Aligned with the Government’s plan to increase renewable energy, it will generate its own power and move away from gas.

No gas supply, and instead only using electricity from green sources

Solar panels installed on the roof, providing nearly 20% of its energy

Air source heat pumps using waste heat from fridges to heat the store and its hot water

Next generation fridges using CO2 from agricultural waste instead of harmful HFCs

‘Ecloblades’ fitted to fridge shelves, to trap cold air inside and reduce energy use

Exclusive operation of electric morrisons.com delivery vehicles

20 EV charging stations for customers along with dedicated EV stations for colleagues’ cars, with charging speeds from 15 minutes to eight hours.

In its environmental construction, Morrisons Little Clacton has recycled 99% of the demolition materials from its old store in the new build, and reused and reduced steel to lower carbon emissions by 52%. Special car park tarmac has been used to offer a carbon saving of up to 25%. A rainwater harvesting system will be used to flush the store’s toilets and reduce virgin water use of nearly 600,000 litres a year. Outside the store, a wildlife area has been created in the grounds of the store to offer a home for birds, insects and small animals.

DB3 Sustainable Infrastructure

Expertise Areas: Architecture

Architecture and much more As a multi-disciplinary consultancy, our expertise extends beyond architecture, meaning our clients can pick and choose key areas or combine a number of our service skill sets and project management skills when selecting our single point service offer. DB3 Group offers the following six individual business units.

DB3 Building Services Engineering Offering CIBSE Chartered Mechanical and Electrical Engineering to all sectors. The team have particular experience in the leisure sector, having delivered numerous wet and dry leisure facilities across the UK. The team are CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors and offer Thermal Modelling (DSM).

DB3 Net Zero Drawing on the experience of our in-house mechanical & electrical engineers, architects, energy assessors, Passivhaus designers and sustainability experts. Our suite of Net Zero consultancy services is broken down into six categories which cover topics around whole life cycle. These categories include; Carbon, Efficiency, Passivhaus, Wellbeing, Performance & Compliance.

DB3 Professional Services The team deliver building surveying, retail project management, Principal Designer, contract administration and NEC supervisor roles, across the UK. Working alongside DB3’s architectural and M&E teams, these roles can be incorporated into a multi-disciplinary offering or procured as an independent service.

DB3 Sustainable About DB3 Infrastructure

DB3 Architecture & Design Providing RIBA Chartered sustainable architecture, urban design and masterplanning, with supporting services including BIM, visualisation and interior design. DB3’s architectural team comprises 35+ architects, supported by a strong team of 50+ technologists and architectural assistants with the capacity to resource projects across all sectors.

Accreditations AJ100 Company RIBA Chartered Practice Certified Passivhaus Designers CIAT Registered Practice CIBSE Directory of Practices & Firms CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management System Altius Approved Elite Vendor H&S SSIP Accredited, through Eurosafe and Alcumus Constructionline Gold Member Achilles RISQS Accredited Cyber Essentials Plus

Awards

Helensburgh Waterfront Development: Highly Commended - Argyll & Bute Awards 2023 ‘Aesthetic Design’; Finalist - Planning Awards 2023 ‘Outstanding Contribution to Placemaking: Best Use of Arts, Culture or Sport’; Highly Commended - IStructE Awards 2022 ‘Leisure Project’ Llys Cadwyn Regeneration: Winner – Cardiff Property Awards 2021 and Ystadau Cymru 2021 Award for ‘Creating Economic Growth’; Highly Commended – British Construction Industry Awards 2021; CLAW Project of the Year Awards 2021 Adidas Oxford Street: Gold Winner – London Design Awards 2020 Leeds College of Music: Winner – RIBA Regional Award 2015 ‘Small Project Award’; Shortlisted – Insider Property Industry Awards Yorkshire 2018 ‘Regeneration Project of the Year’, Education Estates Awards 2018 ‘Refurbishment Project’, AJ Retrofit Awards 2018 ‘Further & Higher Education’; Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber Awards 2018 ‘Building Project of the Year’ Chancery Lane Residential: Shortlisted – London Construction Awards 2018 ‘London Build Excellence’ & ‘Regeneration Project’ Airedale Air Conditioning: Winner – RICS 2017 Regional Award ‘Design through innovation’

Ysgol Craig Y Deryn School: RTPI Wales Planning Award 2014 Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre: Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’ MOMA Machynlleth Tannery Gallery: CPRW Awards 2014 ‘Special Award’ Michael Woods Leisure Centre: Highly Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’; Scottish Property Awards 2014 ‘Architectural Excellence’ Marks & Spencer, Liverpool: Highly Commended – CIAT Award 2010 ‘Technical Excellence’ PAN Emirates, Dubai: Shortlisted – Retail Interiors Awards 2010 ‘Best International Interior’ Threeways School, Bath: BCSE Awards 2009 ‘Inspiring Design for Special Schools’ ASDA Stores Supplier Awards: 2009 ‘Best Consultant’ & ‘Best EDLC (Every Day Low Cost) Initiative’ University of Huddersfield, Creative Art Building: Bronze Awards – RIBA White Rose Award 2009; Commendation – CIAT Award 2009; Shortlisted – RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2009 University of Huddersfield, Milton Centre: Winner – Insider Yorkshire Renaissance Awards 2006 ‘Best Restoration Project’ Aberdovey Yacht Club: Winner – Snowdonia National Park Awards 1992 ‘Good Design in the Countryside Award’ St Giles Business Park for the DBRW: Winner – Prince of Wales Design Awards 1990 ‘Good Design Awards’ Llwydcoed Crematorium: Winner - RIBA Wales Architecture Awards 1971 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): 2017, 2011, 2010 Green Apple Awards: 2015, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008 LABC Building Excellence Awards: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 LABC Design Excellence Awards: 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2002 Leicestershire & Rutland Craftsmanship Awards: 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2002

DB3 Sustainable Infrastructure

DB3 Group: Shortlisted - MMC Awards - Women in Modern Methods of Construction; Shortlisted - MMC Awards - Project of the Year - Education (Secondary & Higher); Winner - Build Architecture Awards - Best Sustainable Architecture & Design Firm 2023; Shortlisted - West Midlands Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Winner - Yorkshire Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Winner - COBBA 2023 ‘Business Development Professional’; Shortlisted - UKREiiF Awards 2023 ‘Consultant of the Year’ & ‘People & Skills Torchbearer’; Shortlisted - COMBA 2023 ‘Architecture Practice & Business Development Professional’; Shortlisted - Grafters Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice’; Winner – COMBA & COBBA 2022 ‘Architect of the Year’; 2021 Digital Enterprise Top 100; Winner – Insider Property Awards 2018 ‘Architectural Practice of the Year’ & ‘Design Excellence’; Shortlisted – BD Awards 2017 ‘Sports & Leisure Architect of the Year’; RICS Design Through Innovation Award 2017; Insider Property Industry Awards 2015 ‘Highly Commended Architectural Firm of the Year’

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